He has since been charged with the allegations against 13 different boys, contrary to the Sexual Offences Act of 2003.

The 51-year-old defendant is set to appear before Blackburn magistrates on April 22.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “Martyne Airey, 51, from Parkinson Street, Blackburn, has been charged with 13 counts of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with boys under 13.

“The offences are alleged to have occured between June 2012 and October 2013.

“He has been bailed to appear at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court.

“There are 13 alleged victims.

“There is one count per alleged victim,” added the spokesman.

This is the first time the Lancashire Telegraph has been able to name Airey as the 2011 Education Act, which came into force last year, prevents the identif-ication of a staff member or the school where the inc-idents allegedly took place before a charge is brought.